The Kayakshed site shows a different picture of the "Olive" Outback and the other colors. It looks like they moved the rear hatch forward if you compare olive with different colors. Also some changes to the area behind the seat. I really don't know if the "Olive" boat is an older or newer model though.

That's interesting. A dealer near me thought there was a change with the center hatch, something about a rectangular insert. He wasn't too clear on the details. With the more forward rear hatch in the image of the olive, I wonder if the live well would still fit? I can't imagine Hobie would engineer out the use of their popular live well, especially in the Outback.

I can think of lots of reasons not to have moved the hatch forward and the live bait well is just one of them. I love all that open space behind me and wonder how that rear hatch would not be leak prone positioned down there. Maybe someone from Hobie can chime in and enlighten us?

Maybe marketing decided to make sure all of the 2012's are depleted before officially announcing the changes.....

We have the Lowrance ready system only in the PA 12 and 2013 PA 14. The latest Outbacks will have a flat area in the center hatch location, so a rectangular hatch could be installed. Access is a bit difficult as you have to spread your legs to open it.

The photo on the kayak shed site is a VERY old version (sand color). The cargo area was not changed from last year, we have not moved the twist and seal hatch forward.

We have the Lowrance ready system only in the PA 12 and 2013 PA 14. The latest Outbacks will have a flat area in the center hatch location, so a rectangular hatch could be installed. Access is a bit difficult as you have to spread your legs to open it.

The photo on the kayak shed site is a VERY old version (sand color). The cargo area was not changed from last year, we have not moved the twist and seal hatch forward.

When I saw the picture of the rectangular hatch option I wondered about being able to open it. You would need to spread your legs pretty far apart I would guess. Old guys aren't as flexible as you young flat belly's

When I saw the picture of the rectangular hatch option I wondered about being able to open it. You would need to spread your legs pretty far apart I would guess. Old guys aren't as flexible as you young flat belly's

Unless Hobie altered the rectangular hatch to start narrow closest to the user and expand it outward at the farthest points so there wouldn't be an issue opening it.